The Tennessee Journalist staff is now the proud owner of eight Society of Professional Journalist regional awards. The awards were separated into five different categories with staff members placing first in each category.

The site itself won as the Best All-Around Independent Online Student Publication in the region.

The site and the first-place winners are now eligible for the national SPJ competitions. Winners of those awards will be announced at the national SPJ convention in Atlanta in September. 

Shannon Petrie received first and second place in Online News Reporting for "Opposing abortion views displayed on pedestrian walkway " and "Public meeting displays Knoxville South Waterfront Plans" respectively.

Bridget Hardy also won two awards. She won third place in Online Feature Reporting for "'A Flea in Her Ear' Takes the UT stage. "  She also won first place in Online Opinion and Commentary for "Freedom of Speech or out of control? "

Amanda Wills won first place in Online Feature Reporting for "Organization strives to aid crisis in Darfur. "  

Katherine Leone placed second in the Online Opinion and Commentary for "Tip your Bartender ." 

Cliff Chartrand also had a first place win in Online Sports Reporting for "Rossi strikes in overtime. "

These regional Mark of Excellence Awards were presented during SPJ's annual spring conference at Loyola University in New Orleans.